With more-affordable 200+ mile vans entering the market, and licence barriers lifted, the move to electric vans is accelerating fast.
Electric van registrations in the UK have surged 78% year-on-year, reaching 8% of all new vans sold. A key reason is a little-known rule change: drivers with a standard Category B licence can now operate zero-emission vans weighing up to 4250kg without further training. This accommodates heavier electric vehicles without penalising businesses or individuals going green. But with 90% of van fleets depending on home charging, the burden is shifting to the driveway.
According to Uswitch, households need to prepare for the increased load on domestic electricity systems. Larger electric vans lose up to 31% range when fully laden and towing, meaning more frequent home charging – and higher energy bills. Uswitch recommends checking the suitability of your home’s electrical supply and switching to a cost-effective EV tariff.
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Can your home handle electric-van charging? Tips from Uswitch
As more drivers bring their electric vans home to charge, energy expert Ben Gallizzi from Uswitch advises households to check their setup before plugging in:
“This legislation is a positive step in removing barriers to entry to EV adoption, especially for sole traders, delivery workers, and fleet operators. With more drivers now able to operate larger electric vans thanks to this new legislation, households might see a rise in their energy use. It’s a good idea to check your setup and make sure your home is ready for the extra demand.”
To prepare:
Assess your home’s electrical load capacity with a qualified electrician.
Install a dedicated EV charger if you have off-street parking – standard sockets take longer and may not be suitable long-term.
Switch to an EV-friendly tariff to lower charging costs.
Be mindful of energy use. Precondition the battery, avoid fast charging, and limit full charges to reduce overnight strain.